Finding Joy in the New Year

Finding Joy in the New Year Psalm 146 January 2, 2022 1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. 10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD! Psalm 146:1-2, 10 (ESV) Big Idea: Our God governs this new year. If we keep this fact in mind, it will help us to respond to the challenges and joys that will come our way with confidence and hope. God calls us to worship corporately and individually (vv. 1-2). God has called us into the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23). But corporate worship begins with personal worship. We should always avoid putting our confidence in human efforts to fulfill our needs and desires (vv.3-4). No human can save. Our mortality makes our plans less than lasting. Our contentment will always be found in God and in Him alone (vv. 5-9). This is not an emotional boost, but the result of knowing and trusting God. He cares and He is able. He meets our needs. He loves the righteous. Remembering this and practicing it will lead to joy in this life and in eternity. (v. 10). He rules forever. Points to remember: Set aside private time for worship. Commit to regular church attendance. Vote wisely but remember Who is ultimately in charge. Open your eyes to all that God has done and is doing. Stand for righteousness with humility. It is not that God will rule, but that He rules now. “The seeking of the kingdom of God is the chief business of the Christian life.” Jonathan Edwards